Methods and apparatus related to a repeater
Granted: April 28, 2015
Patent Number:
9020418
In one general aspect, a repeater can include an input terminal configured to be coupled to a first portion of a MIPI signal path. The MIPI signal path being a unidirectional path between a receiver and a transmitter, the input terminal configured to receive a set of signals from the receiver via the MIPI signal path. The repeater can include an output terminal configured to be coupled to a second portion of the MIPI signal path, the first portion of the MIPI signal path and the second…
Input power port protection component
Granted: April 28, 2015
Patent Number:
9019674
In one general aspect, an apparatus can include an overvoltage protection portion, and an overcurrent protection portion operably coupled to the overvoltage protection portion such that heat produced by the overcurrent protection portion at a current below a rated current of the overcurrent protection portion causes the overvoltage protection portion to change from a voltage regulation state to a shorted state.
Delay time adjusting circuit, method, and integrated circuit
Granted: April 28, 2015
Patent Number:
9018998
A delay time adjusting circuit is described, in which a reference signal circuit generates at least one reference signal to an A/D conversion circuit, an input signal circuit generates an input signal to the A/D conversion circuit, the A/D conversion circuit compares the input signal with the at least one reference signal to output a digital signal to a digital logic chip, and the digital logic chip determines a delay time based on the digital signal. In this way, the delay time can be…
Over-voltage tolerant level detection circuit
Granted: April 28, 2015
Patent Number:
9018982
This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for a detection circuit. In an example, the detection circuit can include a voltage divider configured to receive a first supply voltage from an external device coupled to the detection circuit, first and second transistors configured to receive a control voltage from the voltage divider and to couple an output to ground when the control voltage exceeds a first threshold, and a bias circuit configured to bias the first…
Direct-drain trench FET with source and drain isolation
Granted: April 28, 2015
Patent Number:
9018700
In a general aspect, an apparatus can include a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, the semiconductor layer having a top-side surface. The apparatus can also include a well region of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type, the well region being disposed in an upper portion of the semiconductor layer. The apparatus can further include a gate trench disposed in the semiconductor layer, the gate trench extending through the well region, and a drain…
ECM digital microphone temperature compensation
Granted: April 21, 2015
Patent Number:
9014399
This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to at least partially compensate for temperature sensitivity in a digital microphone system including, for example, a temperature sensitive membrane, such as an electrets condenser microphone (ECM).
Enable and disable comparator voltage reference
Granted: April 21, 2015
Patent Number:
9014388
This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to reduce power use of an accessory detection device. The accessory detection device can be configured to be coupled to a mobile device having an audio jack configured to be coupled to a mobile device accessory having a send/end key. In an example, the accessory detection device can include a comparator and a switch. The comparator can be configured to receive mobile device accessory information from the mobile device…
High side driver circuitry
Granted: April 21, 2015
Patent Number:
9013903
One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a power switch that includes converting a control signal to a current pulse signal, where the control signal is referenced to a first reference potential. The method also includes generating a switch drive voltage signal based on the current pulse signal, where the switch drive signal is referenced to a second reference potential. The method also includes controlling the conduction state of a power switch using…
Through silicon via with reduced shunt capacitance
Granted: April 14, 2015
Patent Number:
9006846
This document refers to apparatus and methods for a device layer of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor having vias with reduced shunt capacitance. In an example, a device layer can include a substrate having a pair of trenches separated in a horizontal direction by a portion of the substrate, wherein each trench of the pair of trenches includes first and second vertical layers including dielectric, the first and second vertical layers separated by a third vertical layer…
Switching circuit and controller circuit
Granted: March 31, 2015
Patent Number:
8994442
New designs of high power switching circuits and controller circuits are provided. Principal silicon bipolar switch is connected in parallel to snubber switch that is formed of a wide bandgap material. The snubber switch is activated during at least one of turn-on and turn-off of the principal silicon switch so as to minimize (or reduce) the switching loss and to bypass safe operation area limitations.
Production of high-performance passive devices using existing operations of a semiconductor process
Granted: March 24, 2015
Patent Number:
8987107
In one general aspect, a semiconductor processing method can include forming an N-type silicon region disposed within a P-type silicon substrate. The method can also include forming a field oxide (FOX) layer in the P-type silicon substrate where the FOX layer includes an opening exposing at least a portion of the N-type silicon region. The method can further include forming a reduced surface field (RESURF) oxide (ROX) layer having a first portion disposed on the exposed N-type silicon…
Translator including overstress protection
Granted: March 17, 2015
Patent Number:
8981843
This document discusses, among other things, a control circuit, such as a translator circuit, configured to reduce voltage stress of first and second transistors when a first voltage received by the first transistor exceeds a voltage rating of at least one of the first or second transistors.
Proportional bias switch driver circuit with current transformer
Granted: March 17, 2015
Patent Number:
8981819
A switch bias system is provided that includes a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) switch comprising a base, emitter, and collector; an energy storage circuit coupled to the collector of the BJT, the energy storage circuit supplying current flow to the collector of the BJT; a current transformer circuit coupled to the emitter, the current transformer circuit configured to sense current flow through the emitter of the BJT switch; and a proportional bias circuit configured to generate a…
High efficiency, thermally stable regulators and adjustable zener diodes
Granted: March 17, 2015
Patent Number:
8981736
This document discusses, among other things, apparatus for high-efficiency, thermally-compensated regulators. In an example, a regulator can include a zener diode having a first temperature coefficient, the zener diode configured couple to an output and to provide at least a portion of a reference voltage, a transistor having a second temperature coefficient, the transistor configured to receive the reference voltage, to receive a representation of the output, and to provide feedback…
MEMS proof mass with split z-axis portions
Granted: March 17, 2015
Patent Number:
8978475
This document discusses among other things apparatus and methods for a proof mass including split z-axis portions. An example proof mass can include a center portion configured to anchor the proof-mass to an adjacent layer, a first z-axis portion configure to rotate about a first axis using a first hinge, the first axis parallel to an x-y plane orthogonal to a z-axis, a second z-axis portion configure to rotate about a second axis using a second hinge, the second axis parallel to the x-y…
Protective multiplexer
Granted: March 10, 2015
Patent Number:
8975923
Apparatus and methods for a protective multiplexer, among other things, are provided. In an example, a protective multiplexer circuit can include a first switch that in a first state can be configured to couple an input of a power supply to at least one of first or second signal nodes of a passgate when a first voltage of the at least one of the first or second signal nodes is below a first limit voltage.
Startup circuit and input capacitor balancing circuit
Granted: March 3, 2015
Patent Number:
8971069
In one embodiment, an input capacitor balancing circuit for a power supply is provided. The circuit includes an input capacitance operable to filter input power for the power supply. The input capacitance has a first capacitor and a second capacitor coupled in series between an input voltage and a first node. A voltage divider circuit is coupled to the input voltage and operable to generate a divided voltage therefrom. A buffer circuit is operable to receive the divided voltage and, if…
Trench-based power semiconductor devices with increased breakdown voltage characteristics
Granted: February 24, 2015
Patent Number:
8963212
In one general aspsect, a semiconductor device can include at least a first device region and a second device region disposed at a surface of a semiconductor region where the second device region is adjacent to the first device region and spaced apart from the first device region. That semiconductor device can include a connection region disposed between the first device region and the second device region, and a trench extending into the semiconductor region and at least extending from…
Startup of DC-DC converters utilizing multiple power segments
Granted: February 17, 2015
Patent Number:
8957657
Generally, this disclosure provides methods and systems for improved startup for DC-DC converters that reduce input voltage droop, in-rush current and output voltage jumps. The system may include a power stage circuitry including a plurality of power segments coupled in parallel, the power stage circuitry is coupled between an input voltage and output stage circuitry and configured to deliver power to a load coupled to the output stage circuitry. The system may further include PWM and…
High-voltage packaged device
Granted: February 3, 2015
Patent Number:
8946881
Packaged devices and methods for making and using the same are described. The packaged devices contain one or more circuit components, such as a die, that is attached to a leadframe having a first lead, a second lead, and a third lead (although, higher lead counts may be employed in some implementations). A portion of the circuit component and the leadframe are encapsulated in a molded housing so that the first lead is exposed from a first end of the housing while the second and third…
